I had the great joy of taking part in the Wood Sculpture Symposium at Stubenberg Castle. For a whole week, we worked in the courtyard, under the open sky, surrounded by ancient stone walls, with a view of the arcades. It was a place full of history, and it was right there that my sculpture, “The Throne”, came into being.
I worked with larch wood, a strong, resilient material with a warm, reddish tone. Larch is not a wood that yields easily. It has a character of its own. While working with the chainsaw, the chisel, and my hands, I could feel it immediately: this wood is alive. Its grain, its hardness, its scent, all of it deeply shaped the creative process. It was the perfect choice for this piece.
“The Throne” is a powerful, organic object. Its form spirals upwards, as if it’s growing or rising. It speaks of movement, of ascension but also of falling, of the loss of power and dignity. The spheres running along the side resemble living beings, cells, or perhaps they are manifestations of my thoughts and dreams. In me, everything is always interconnected.
At the base, there is a seat, yes, you’re meant to sit. It truly is a throne, not just in name but in spirit: a place to rest, but also to feel. Think practically! Whoever sits down can sense the wood , its strength, its story, its texture. The great mother.
What I loved most was how people approached the sculpture. Some were cautious, others curious, many with a smile. Others used it right away to pose or simply take a short break. The atmosphere during the symposium (as almost always) was warm and welcoming. Artists from various countries, each with their own language, technique, and energy, yet united through the art and the place.
For me, “The Throne” is a work that speaks of rising and of integrity, of being human, of growing and failing. And of how beautiful it is when art doesn’t exclude, but invites us to stay for a while.
Burgenland (Austria) 2012
